But I Don't Wanna Be Second Choice!

If you're the runner-up candidate, it might not be over. The lead candidate might fail the drug screen, or have rotten references, or might take a counteroffer and stay with their company. You just never know what'll happen.

Just be professional, no matter the initial outcome, and you'll be well-positioned to be pulled back into consideration. Oh, and don't feel put out if a company comes back to you when the lead candidate falls through. If you're second choice (or even third choice), you'll be in GREAT company.

...HARRISON FORD was 3rd choice to play Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
...TOM HANKS was 2nd choice to play Jim Lovell in Apollo 13.
...ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER was 2nd choice for The Terminator.

And all three of them laughed, and laughed, and laughed…all the way to the bank.